Steelers Owner Art Rooney II Bans Teacher from Acrisure Stadium After Viral Video Mocking Charlie Kirk’s Death

Pittsburgh, PA – October 24, 2025

A viral controversy has reached Acrisure Stadium after Steelers owner Art Rooney II announced a lifetime ban against a Chicago school teacher who was seen in a viral video mocking the death of Charlie Kirk, sparking outrage across the nation.

The teacher, who works in the Chicago Public School system, was caught on video during an anti-Trump protest, yelling “Bang, bang” while pretending to shoot herself in the neck — a gesture many interpreted as mocking Kirk’s recent assassination.

The video quickly spread across social media, amassing millions of views within hours. Outraged fans and public figures demanded accountability, calling the teacher’s actions “disgusting” and “inhumane.”

The woman making a finger gun at her neck is Lucy Martinez who is a Chicago Public School teacher at Hale Elementary on the south side of the city.

This is who we trust with our children & then wonder why they become radicalized as young adults.
🎥 IG:That84BullNose pic.twitter.com/kYkAInRZsM

— Libs Of Chicago (@Libs_OfChicago) October 19, 2025

When asked about the incident, Steelers owner Art Rooney II expressed strong disapproval and confirmed that the individual is now permanently banned from attending any events at Acrisure Stadium.

“Acrisure Stadium represents unity, respect, and the spirit of Pittsburgh,” Rooney said.
“Mocking the loss of life - especially in such a vile way - has no place in our community or our stadium.  The Steelers organization will always uphold compassion, dignity, and class, both on and off the field

The decision was met with overwhelming support from Steelers fans, who praised Rooney for taking a moral stand. Many online comments echoed the sentiment that sports venues should remain places of community and inspiration — not hatred or division.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Public School system has reportedly launched an internal review into the teacher’s conduct, while the Nathan Hale Elementary School website — where she was allegedly employed — was taken offline shortly after the video went viral.

As the controversy continues to dominate headlines, Rooney’s swift and decisive response reinforces the Steelers’ long-standing values of respect, integrity, and humanity — a message that continues to define the heart of Pittsburgh and its fans across the nation.